Name four branches of oceanography. Describe at least five reasons
why it is important for people to learn about the oceans.

Define salinity, temperature, and density, and describe how these
important properties of seawater are measured by the physical
oceanographer. Discuss the circulation and currents of the ocean.
Describe the effects of the oceans on weather and climate.

Describe the characteristics of ocean waves. Point out the
differences among the storm surge, tsunami, tidal wave, and tidal bore.
Explain the difference between sea, swell, and surf. Explain how
breakers are formed.

Draw a cross-section of underwater topography. Show what is meant
by:

Continental shelf

Continental slope, and

Abyssal plain

Name and put on your drawing the following: seamount, guyot, rift
valley, canyon, trench, and oceanic ridge. Compare the depths in the
oceans with the heights of mountains on land.

List the main salts, gases, and nutrients in sea water. Describe
some important properties of water. Tell how the animals and plants of
the ocean affect the chemical composition of seawater. Explain how
differences in evaporation and precipitation affect the salt content of
the oceans.

Describe some of the biologically important properties of seawater.
Define benthos, nekton, and plankton. Name some of the plants and
animals that make up each of these groups. Describe the place and
importance of phytoplankton in the oceanic food chain.

Do ONE of the following:

Make a plankton net*. Tow the net by a dock, wade with it,
hold it in a current, or tow it from a rowboat*. Do this for about 20
minutes. Save the sample. Examine it under a microscope or high-power
glass. Identify the three most common types of plankton in the sample.

Make a series of models (clay or plaster and wood) of a volcanic
island. Show the growth of an atoll from a fringing reef through a
barrier reef. Describe the Darwinian theory of coral reef formation.

Measure the water temperature at the surface, midwater, and bottom of a body
of water four times daily for five
consecutive days. You may measure depth with a rock tied to a line.
Make a Secchi disk to measure turbidity (how much suspended
sedimentation is in the water). Measure the air temperature. Note the cloud cover
and roughness of the water. Show your findings (air and water
temperature, turbidity) on a graph. Tell how
the water temperature changes with air temperature.

Make a model showing the inshore sediment movement by littoral
currents, tidal movement, and wave action. Include such formations as high
and low waterlines, low tide terrace, berm, and coastal cliffs. Show
how the offshore bars are built up and torn down.

Make a wave generator. Show reflection and refraction of waves.
Show how groins, jetties, and breakwaters affect these patterns.

Track and monitor satellite images available on the Internet for a
specific location for three weeks. Describe what you have learned to
your counselor.

Do ONE of the following:

Write a 500-word report on a book about oceanography approved by
your counselor.

Visit one of the following: (1) an oceanographic research ship, or
(2) an oceanographic institute, marine laboratory, or marine aquarium. Write a 500-word report about your
visit.

Explain to your troop in a five minute prepared speech "Why
Oceanography Is Important" or describe "Career Opportunities in Oceanography." (Before
making your speech, show your speech outline to your counselor for
approval.)

Describe four methods that marine scientists use to investigate the
ocean, underlying geology, and organisms living in the water.

Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service
Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting
volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy
Scouts of America (BSA) [Links
to BSA Sites], the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or
other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be
used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other
non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting
Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated
with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed
on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website
with in two ways:
Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by
clicking the button below.